A Peace of Mind

​There I was, having an imaginary argument in my shower. Vigorously scrubbing shampoo out of my hair, I knew all the suds would eventually leave, but my bitter feelings remained. I was using so much energy planning how to give this person a piece of my mind, that after drying off I was mentally drained. Perhaps I had given them a piece of my mind.

I imagine Saul woke up many days and felt this way toward David. He was prideful and jealous of people favoring David over him. These feelings festered in his heart and created turmoil. He soon was off pursuing David’s life. We can see he was not concerned in doing the next right thing for God, but the next right thing for his reputation. This led to a snowball effect of sin.

Pride causes resentful feelings to flood into our hearts. Jealousy, insecurity, anger, and bitterness will eat away at us until we are empty. We don’t have to let it though. David shows us there is another option.

David was continuously in prayer. He prioritized what God thought and knew Saul was God’s anointed one. Faithfully trusting the battle was the Lord’s, he turned down the opportunity to kill Saul. He loved Saul. David wrote a song in honor of him after his passing. David was considered a man after God’s own heart. We see why, because Jesus called us to treat our enemies, the way David treated Saul:

“‘You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven’” (Matthew 5:43-45).

Debbie Burns, a woman dear to my heart, always has something profound to share with our Rooted Mom’s group. One Monday night she gave us a  little piece of wisdom I will keep with me forever. It is so good, it almost felt like a secret. “Pray for God to let you see your enemies how he sees them.”

WOW. What a David mentality.

Why give a piece of your mind when God can give you peace of mind? 

There is power in praying for our enemies. One of Satan's greatest lies is that hate is more powerful than love. When we give into our worldly feelings (revenge, hateful words, spiteful actions), we give our energy to the enemy; the one who comes to kill, steal, and destroy (Jn 10:10). Satan wants to instill fear and hate in your heart to kill your faith. He will steal any joy you have and replace it with insecurity. He will destroy you by leading you astray from God, the one who sustains you.

​God will give you the strength to overcome the temptation of seeking revenge and wisdom to know the battle is His. He will provide you with the strength to love ones who hurt you and wisdom in knowing who the real enemy is. Prayer is our greatest defense against any troubles the world brings because it connects us with the Prince of Peace. Today be assured your Father in Heaven sees and hears you! Give your energy to Him and you will be showered with His peace.

Memory Verse: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”  Isaiah 26:3 NIV

About the Author

My name is Taylor Watkins. I am 28. My husband Ethan and I have two beautiful girls, Kori (5) and Nora (1). We live in the North Georgia Mountains. I am a Pre-k teacher at our church. I love a cup of coffee, reading and having a good laugh. I also am a crazy cat lady. I find beauty in the fact that we get to worship and praise an all powerful, all knowing God who desires a relationship with us regardless of our flaws. I’m am so ready to dive deeper into God’s word with you. I know as he pours into us we will also pour into each other.

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